Page 58 of When Love Is Unexpected

"If it's a girl," Holly says, "I'm calling her Lizzy."

"And if it's a boy?" I ask.

"Peter Pan!" Holly exclaims.

"Peter Pan," repeats Aaron before letting out a chuckle.

"Well," I begin, "I'm so happy for you. Knowing what you all went through to get to this point makes me believe in happily-ever-afters."

Loren smiles and looks down at her belly, holding it protectively with both hands.

I glance at Laila, whose green gaze is fixed on me. I smile, and she smiles back.

"Dinner was great," says Aaron as they get ready to leave an hour later. "Have a safe trip."

"Take care of my little sister," says Loren. "Have a good time, and please don't pretend."

Laila and I look at each other, feeling a pang of guilt. I can see now how my plan was a bad idea.

"Call me," says Laila, looking at Loren. "I want to know how the baby's doing, even if I'm not here."

"I'm gonna miss you, Auntie Laila," says Holly.

"I'm going to miss you too," says Laila.

After exchanging hugs, kisses, and handshakes, the Baldwins leave and walk the short distance to their home next door.

I shut the door and lock it before turning to face Laila.

"You didn't mention Helga," she says.

"There was no need," I say.

"Sounds like you've had a lot of fun adventures in Greece. I can't imagine you doing it alone. Was she with you on every excursion?"

"Are you asking because you're curious or because you're jealous?"

"Jealous? Of course not!"

"I don't believe you," I say.

She crosses her arms. A telltale sign that she's upset.

"Come here," I say.

"No," she says.

"Stop pouting and come here."

She walks over to me and lets me pull her in, wrapping my arms around her. Her sweet surrender to my embrace is also a telltale sign that she feels something—something more than just friendship.

"We have an early start tomorrow," I say. "Do you want to leave?"

"Are you asking me to leave?" she asks.

"You know, I've never nor will I ever ask you to leave."

"We can sleep on the plane," she says. "Let's eat the last molten cake together."

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